Wii U needs to sell one game per console to turn a profit

Gaming giant Nintendo has revealed that its new Wii U console will be sold at a loss.

The Wii U, set to be released in the UK on 30 November, is the first hardware produced by the firm to be sold without profit. However, the firm has revealed that the system’s losses can be offset if customers purchase just one game per Wii U console.

“As soon as we get the consumer to buy one piece of software, then that entire transaction becomes profit positive,” Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo’s American head told the San Jose Mercury News.

The console features a 6in touchscreen that functions as both a remote control and a full HD display. It allows five players to compete against each other and the tablet-like touchscreen can be used as a second screen for auxiliary game features – like dungeon maps in a role-playing game, for instance – while its hooked up to the TV. The touchscreen can also act as the main gaming screen when the TV is otherwise in use.

The device, considered to be the first major non-handheld gaming platform release since 2006, is expected to sell 3.5 million units worldwide.